ATHENS, Ohio (June 10, 2004) -- Lt. Col. Douglas Orr, professor of military science and commander of the Ohio University Army ROTC Battalion, was awarded Professor of Military Science of the Year 2004 for the U.S. Army Cadet Command. Lt. Col. Orr attributes this honor to his students, especially the senior cadets, whose hard work gained national recognition for the program this past summer at the ROTC Leaders Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Wash.

For the award, Orr said the 270 contestants were judged based their overall leadership and management of their programs as well as the output of their program in terms of the quality and quantity of new lieutenants produced. Another important factor is how much the individual has improved the program since taking on the responsibilities as professor of military science.

During Orr's tenure, Ohio University's ROTC program moved from 96th to 30th of 270 programs nationwide and also was ranked as the best program in Ohio last year.

"The Ohio University ROTC program brings a great value to the university and the community," Orr said. "This past year, ROTC contributed to society through public services such as providing a Color Guard for the opening day of a youth baseball league, marching in the Athens Veterans Day parade, reading books to students at East Elementary and providing traffic control personnel for Good Work's Walk for the Homeless."

When asked about the award, Orr attributes the success of the program to his cadets, who, he said, "are very prepared to serve as Army officers and will provide outstanding service to our nation. I have no doubt that upon graduation, they will be fully prepared to lead and care for soldiers."

Orr graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1985 and worked as a strategic intelligence officer in Hawaii in his most recent assignment before coming to Athens. He has worked in the Ohio University ROTC program for four years alongside the now-graduating senior class, and said he is especially looking forward to commissioning these individuals as new second lieutenants.

This August, Orr will be moving to Crystal City, a suburb of Arlington, Va., for his next assignment with the Office of the Secretary of Defense - Prisoner of War/Missing In Action.

After completing his assignment in Arlington, Orr plans to relocate back to Athens. "I think it's a special place, with a great university and a unique local community," he said.